Before leaving for Jerusalem, Paul had been told by a prophet beforehand that he would be arrested and handed over to the Roman government. He didn’t withdraw and went to another city instead because the Spirit revealed what would happen to him. Before for being “escorted” to Rome, Paul could’ve been set free in Jerusalem as King Agrippa told Festus that he could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar the Roman Emperor. What was on Paul’s mind? Didn’t he delight in a wonderful family and life as we do? Or would he rather suffer than enjoy comfort? The answer is found in Acts 28:20 as he said to the Jewish leaders in Rome, “I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.” He had had enough trouble through the years because of his people and nation Israel. He didn’t appeal to Caesar to accuse his opponents of any wrongdoing, but explained to his people the Messiah had already.

Paul was chained in hopes of setting his people free through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn’t violate Jewish customs and laws and he was found not guilty in doing anything wrong against the Roman laws. He carried his cross and suffered from a series of misfortunes in order that his people would enjoy the blessing of the loving Father.

As followers of Christ would you like to be chained perhaps not physically but materially? Would you like to spend your “material” life less but have more time for God and for the sake of his kingdom? We restrain us like Paul not because of showing how pious we are but because of his love that compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).